SEPARATING DRILLING CUTTINGS AND GAS USING A LIQUID SEAL

摘要

A new method and device for separation of drilling cuttings from liquids and gases in air and fluid drilling operations. A liquid seal is created and maintained for proper separation of gas and liquid from cuttings and drilling slurry in air and liquid drilling. A cuttings agitation chamber is created and maintained under the liquid seal. Cuttings and particulates enter a separation vessel and fall towards the agitation chamber beneath the liquid seal and may be guided towards the agitation chamber and liquid seal by baffles or spray. Cuttings and particulates are kept in motion by nozzles in the agitation chamber for removal from the separation vessel through a discharge outlet. Outflow through the discharge outlet may be increased by a jet. The gases released from the drilling liquid exit the separation vessel through a gas outlet.